School’s Out, Fun’s In! What to Do During School Holidays in Singapore
School ended, and just like that, my living room turned into a jungle gym and snack station for bored nephews and nieces. So I did what any seasoned aunt would do, which was to plan a full kid-friendly itinerary before chaos reigned.
We hit libraries, got messy with art, and even made it through a science centre without losing anyone. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to keeping the little ones busy and learning during school holidays in Singapore (because sanity is priceless).
View mind-blowing displays at Science Centre Singapore
– Media from s_forshirley
Location: 15 Science Centre Road
Contact: +6564252500
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–5 PM
Price: $
Age suitability: 5 years old and up
Science Centre Singapore is where I send the kids to blow their minds, not the house. It’s all about buttons to press, things that light up, and “wah!” moments in every corner.
The planetarium makes them feel like astronauts, and the live demos there nearly set off an obsession with dry ice. If they leave asking questions instead of whining, that’s a win in my auntie’s book.
Pro-tip: Weekday mornings are the best times to visit to avoid large crowds at the centre.
See sketches come to life at the ArtScience Museum
– Media from airenehayashi
Location: Marina Bay Sands, 6 Bayfront Avenue
Contact: +6566888888
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 10 AM–7 PM
Friday to Saturday, 10 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
Age suitability: 4 years old and up
I took the kids to the ArtScience Museum one school holiday, thinking we’d simply browse. We ended up chasing digital butterflies and dodging virtual waves for over an hour.
“Future World” is where their brains lit up as much as the walls did. They drew sea creatures, had them scanned, and watched them come to life. It’s basically a giant interactive playground!
Pro-tip: There’s a gift shop within the museum if the kids behave enough to earn themed merchandise.
Go on a mini safari
– Media from missohohoh
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road
Contact: +65 6269 3411
Hours: Daily, 8.30 AM–6 PM
Price: $$
Age suitability: All ages
It was my idea to take the kids on a safari (because I’ve never been to one), and we ended up getting schooled by a goat and splashed by a manatee. Between the pandas and the play areas, none of us wanted to leave.
The Singapore Zoo and River Safari combo is a full-day affair. But it’s worth it for the wide-eyed wonder and the random animal facts they learned (and I had quoted to me all week).
Pro-tip: Pack snacks, hats, and sunscreen to protect yourselves from hunger and sunburn.
Have a splashing family time at Sentosa
– Media from giisgaga
Location: Sentosa Island
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: 24/7
Price: $$
Age suitability: 3 years old and up
When the kids are bouncing off the walls more than usual, I just bring them to Sentosa and let the island’s charm wear them out. Between the roller coasters and water slides, they’ll crash early for bedtime (you’re welcome!).
Adventure Cove had them screaming with joy, and Universal Studios turned them into little stunt critics. It’s chaos, sunscreen, and pure gold for school holiday memories.
Pro-tip: If you’re on a holiday budget, have a family-friendly free frolic on Palawan Beach where the kids can build sandcastles. Or pack a beachside picnic.
Do DIY crafting at Playeum
– Media from playeum
Location: Floor 1 BELLS Centre@Bedok, 21 Bedok North Street 1, #01-01 Common Ground
Contact: +65 6262 0750
Hours: Check scheduled events here
Price: Mostly free
Age suitability: 3 to 10 years old
If your kids’ idea of fun is scissors, glue, and turning trash into treasure (not the other way around), I highly suggest taking them to Playeum. It’s great for 3 to 10-year-olds with wild imaginations and short attention spans.
My nephew made a robot out of bottle caps and wouldn’t stop talking about it. I love that it’s all about messy hands and big ideas with no portable screens in sight.
Pro-tip: The workshops are limited and mostly free, so make sure to secure a slot as early as you can.
Learn how to cook at Food Playground
– Media from foodplaygroundsg
Location: Food Playground, 24A Sago Street
Contact: +6594523669
Hours: 24/7
Price: $$$
Age suitability: 5 to 12 years old
I signed the kids up (with their parents’ permission and funding) for a cooking class at Food Playground and came home to mini chefs insisting on making dinner. The verdict: questionable plating but 10/10 on enthusiasm.
They cracked eggs, stirred batter, and learned more than just how to wash up. The chefs were patient, their aprons were cute, and the mess wasn’t in my kitchen (chef’s kiss)!
Pro-tip: Cooking classes are ideal for kids 5 to 12 years old who love food and don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
Explore Little India
– Media from jay_jk_
Location: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane
Contact: +6562911601
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–6 PM
Price: Free (permanent galleries)
Age suitability: 6 years old and up
I took the kids to Little India, and they came home knowing how to spot a mango lassi, tie a sari (sort of), and say “vanakkam” with flair. Between the colours, music, and smells, it’s a full-on sensory trip.
We followed the heritage trail, visited the centre, tried sweets we couldn’t pronounce, and watched a street performance. It’s cultural learning wrapped in fun and spice that’s best for curious minds aged 6 and up.
Pro-tip: Picky eaters? Challenge the kids to pick one new Indian dish to try out and give it a fun name, such as “spice rice.” Starting with something sweet also helps.
Stop to smell the flowers at Gardens by the Bay
– Media from mishka_sarda
Location: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive
Contact: +6564206848
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
Age suitability: 3 years old and up
When I took the kids to Gardens by the Bay for the first time, they were half-convinced we’d left Singapore and landed in a sci-fi forest. The Cloud Forest had them chasing mist, while the Flower Dome gave me at least five solid minutes of peace.
The Children’s Garden was a total hit with zero complaints from them about being bored. It’s a great place for kids 3 years and older who need to run somewhere prettier than the usual HDB playground.
Pro-tip: Children under 3 years old enjoy free admission at the Flower Dome!
Go hiking on nature trails
– Media from sebastiannnnn_lin
Location: Pulau Ubin
Contact: 1800 471 7300
Hours: 24/7; bumboats operate between 7 AM and 7 PM
Price: Free
Age suitability: 6 years old and up
When I need to remind the little ones what life was before WiFi, I bring them to Pulau Ubin. They love it there even with the muddy trails and the possibility of running into wild boars.
We usually rent bikes, brave Chek Jawa, and go on nature walks that are sweaty but satisfying. It’s a great adventure for kids 6 years old and up who don’t mind getting a little grubby while having fun.
Pro-tip: Families with older children can try the Ketam Mountain Bike Park, which is suitable for different skill levels.
Have a cosy reading time at the library
– Media from rini_depe
Location: library@harbourfront, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #03-05 VivoCity
Contact: +65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Price: Free
Age suitability: 3 years old and up
When the kids need a summer holiday breather (and so do I), library@harbourfront is a lifesaver. It has books, sea views, and air-conditioning all at once.
The kids happily plopped into a reading pod and forgot about snacks for a full hour. It’s a good place for little ones who love stories or just need a quiet spot to unwind in the city.
Pro-tip: There’s also a digital wall at this library where they can tap on without getting dirty looks!
Go on a holiday art camp
– Media from littlesteps_singapore
Location: Little Artists Art Studio, 15 Siglap Rd, #01-07 The Mandarin Gardens
Contact: +6564490960
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 10 AM–7.30 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 9.30 AM–7.30 PM
Price: $$
Age suitability: 2.5 years old and up
I’m glad studios like Little Artists hold regular holiday art camps for when kids are on vacation and need to channel their energy into something fun and creative. Whenever I sign them up, my fridge becomes an art gallery as a result.
So far, they’ve tried painting, clay, and even a bit of art history (sneaky learning, love it!). It’s recommended for little ones under 3 years old who need a creative outlet that isn’t your pristine living room wall.
Pro-tip: There are art camp activities for toddlers to tweens, so pick an appropriate class.
Join a kids’ workshop at the National Gallery
– Media from nghiagallery
Location: National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road
Contact: +6562717000
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–7 PM
Price: $$
Age suitability: 2 to 8 years old
The Keppel Centre for Art Education has always been a haven for young imaginations, offering interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. I remember enrolling the kids in GalleryToddlers, which involved fun sensory play and art exploration.
Now that they’re a bit older, they tend to come across as mini art critics with paint-splattered hands. They’ve dabbled in colours, shapes, and stories, turning a regular afternoon into a masterpiece of creativity and giggles.
Pro-tip: Dress the kids in comfy clothes you don’t mind getting paint on or stained, or have them wear aprons or smocks.